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Commonwealth Against the Coup in Maldives

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has decided to take action against the Maldives. In brief CMAG decided on the following course of action.

CMAG has put the Maldives a formal watch list while it learns more about the coup.

The Group is unhappy with the warrant to arrest President Nasheed as it could be used as a tool to stop President Nasheed from participating in the presidential elections.

The Group called for "an independent and impartial investigation" into the coup without playing delay tactics. The Group is also would like international participation in the internal investigation proposed by Dr Waheed.

The Group called for early elections. The Group urged Dr Waheed and President Nasheed "to commence an immediate dialogue, without preconditions, to agree on a date for early elections, which should take place within this calendar year."

The Group is calling on all parties to work together to amend the constitution to facilitate the early elections.

The Group agreed that the Commonwealth provide technical assistance to Maldives in capacity building in such areas as judiciary, parliament, Electoral Commission and promote adherence to democratic values and principles. The group also recommended the Commonwealth to assist in developing a code of conduct for political parties in the lead-up to the next election.

CMAG will again in March 2012 to review progress in Maldives, and to consider at its next scheduled meeting in April 2012 any further measures that may be warranted.

This is a good outcome for the Maldives. CMAG should be applauded for the work they have done uptodate. However, this is only one step in the right direction.

The regime led by Dr Waheed will try every trick in the book to delay the election and deny President Nasheed and his party free and fair participation in the electoral process. Some rich and powerful people may not want any formal acknowledgement of the events that we witnessed with our own yes and on the TV screens.

Two out of the three members of Dr Waheed's so called "Independent Enquiry Commission" were ministers of former President Gayyoom whose supporters are alleged to have orchestrated the coup. One of them was his Defense Minister in charge of the armed forces. The brutality of the armed forces during Gayyoom's era is well documented. Maldivian have not forgotten their brutality, stories of torture and lengthy detention of people. Vast majority of people will find the membership of the Commission abhorrent and their findings will not be acceptable to them. This is a brazen effort to cover up what really happened on February 7th.

Dr Waheed has no commitment to involve international participants in his inquiry. To paraphrase him he says "It is up to the Commission, they have the power to invite internationals, I have done my bit." In other words, Dr Waheed is not going to pay much attention to CMAG recommendation.

So far Dr Waheed has not made any serious effort to return the country back to a democracy. His strategy is to delay, set up committees and blame MDP. As one of the most experienced diplomats in the country, Dr Waheed knows the buttons to press to keep the international community at bay. "unity government", "terrorist activity", "independent inquiry" etc are some of the phrases that we hear from Dr Waheed. They are designed for diplomats who will play a very big role in deciding whether Maldives will be another Pakistan or a Fiji.

Maldivians need the help of our friends in the international community. Like many of my friends in the Maldives, I believe that CMAG have listened to the concerns of the ordinary people in the Commonwealth. Your continued support will be needed for a while to come.

The Real Meaning of Adventure

What is adventure? Some people believe that adventure is not just that extreme and dangerous experience that one could find existing. On the contrary, they believe that it is an attitude that helps us face the obstacles present in our daily routine. For example, the challenges we have to deal with, the new and different options that life offers, the unknown that is at all time waiting for us, represent an adventure in itself. And it is in this adventure that the human beings discover themselves.

The word adventure has different meanings for different people. Generally, adventure implies thrill and excitement, risks and dangers, and the unexpected and extraordinary experiences. The adventurous people are always on the look out for things that will evoke new feelings and sensations. This is the definition of adventure commonly accepted. However, there are others for whom adventure means much more than this. They associate adventure with a certain bent of mind that helps them enjoy life to the fullest, by accepting it as it unfolds before them. They see opportunities in difficulties and treat hurdles as stepping-stones. They accept everything knowing very well that there is nothing without its pluses and minuses.

Therefore, life is seen as an adventure in itself. It is the manner in which you decide to view and live your own life. And the approach you have to life will certainly affect the way you experience this mysterious journey which we are part of. Some people believe that traveling, sightseeing or hanging on a rope is what an adventure stands for. But the problem may be that they are not experiencing their life as an exploration and their boring life leads them to lookfor excitement outside themselves.

This hidden and deeper meaning of adventure can only be understood by changing one's point of view towards life. This will not only enable you to identify the raison d'etre of your life, but will also help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and accept yourself as a person. However, one needs to realize that one just doesn't stumble upon adventures just like that. It is only through discovering our own strengths that we can uncover these adventures, and derive wisdom from them. As human beings, we are posed in the world in such a manner that we are compulsive adventurers. And, being so, we are capable of shaping our own lives and destinies, through a positive and constructive approach.

Life is a rare opportunity. With a little faith we can change the very meaning of life. Hurdles and obstacles can be used as openings and opportunities to discover the extent of our strength and courage. The secret lies in living life as an ever-new, ever-fresh adventure and being open to accepting whatever comes our way.